Cougar Town gets a sophomore season!

The ABC freshman Comedy block on Wednesday night is coming back. Three comedies have gotten an early renewal for next season!

“The Middle,” “Modern Family” and “Cougar Town” will return for a second year!  

ABC is looking for fourth show to add to the line-up (since only Kelsey Grammar’s “Hank” didn’t make the cut.) If you are not watching these comedies, you are missing one of the best night’s of TV.

Dare I say it, it’s the new must-see TV.   

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Speaking of the Wednesday night line-up on ABC, WRTV made a cameo on “The Middle.”

As you know, “THe Middle,” the comedy starring Patricia Heaton and Neil Flynn is set in Indiana. Often the show will incorporate Hoosier references into the stories. I.U. sweatshirts, Colts jersies, even  the Indiana State Fair has shown up on a tee shirt or two.

A couple of months ago, the show contacted Channel 6 about using our station logo for a brief visual.

We sent the logo and on Wednesday night’s episode it showed up on the side of a large satellite truck!

RTV 6's cameo in ABC's "The Middle"

The media descends on the tiny town of Orson, Indiana when a dinosaur bone is discovered in the local quarry.

WRTV didn’t exactly have our “15 minutes of fame…”

It was more like 15 seconds.  

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Okay, guilty pleasure admission. I watched “The Bachelor” this week.  

This season’s “Bachelor: On the Wings of Love” revealed a big scandal this week. One of the bacholorettes apparently had an “inappropriate relationship” with one of the behind the scenes producers. Whoa and whoops!

It did make for a pretty interesting turn of events.

Chris Harrison, the host of “The Bachelor” writes a very entertaining blog for Entertainment Weekly.  He offers an insider’s take on the drama. Here’s the link.

In a show that could border on “inappropriate” itself, Harrison’s hosting takes away the “ick” factor and makes the show much easier to watch. He’s funny as hell in his blog, too. Give it a read.

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ABC kicks off the tenth season of the hit reality series “Dancing with the Stars” with a two-hour premiere, MONDAY, MARCH 22 beginning at 8pm. 

Celebrities will be announced in February.

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Bogie finally coming to DVD and Blu Ray

Finally, a few years ago, the American Film Institute announced their list of the 100 Greatest Movies Ever Made.

99 of those movies are available on DVD and Blu-Ray.

The one holdout is finally coming to DVD.

“The African Queen” starring Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn is going to be released in various elaborate, restored editions on March 23!

 Great movie. Great stars. If you’ve never seen it, watch it.

A RAVE- “Men of a Certain Age”

Okay, I know I’m the demo. But I’d like this new Ray R0mano dramedy “Men of a Certain Age” Monday nights on TNT even if I wasn’t pushing 50.

R0mano does a terrific job of acting.  I don’t see Raymond Barrone from “Everybody Loves Raymond” when I’m watching his “Joe” in “Men.”

But the real revelation to me  is Andre Braugher. I’m so used to seeing him play tough, strong guys like his character in “Homicide.” Seeing him struggle with daddy issues on “Men of a Certain Age” is facinating. And excellent.   

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Michael C. Hall from "Dexter"

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A RAVE – The “Seinfeld” Reunion on “Curb Your Enthusiasm”

When is a reunion not a reunion? When it plays out on a TV show like “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” The Seinfeld gang reunited and took shots at themselves, their oft-panned finale of the original “Seinfeld” and their post-Seinfeld careers. This is the finale that makes me forget the bloated finale that turned out to just be a “greatest hits” rehash. 

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A RAVE – “The Middle”

ABC’s “Modern Family” is my favorite new comedy on TV. (I think it should win Best Comedy over “30 Rock” at the Emmys next year.)

But the show that airs before it, “The Middle” has really grown on me. This show’s quirky characters and slightly warped story-telling has me hooked. Patricia Heaton (another “Everybody Loves Raymond” alum doing great TV) and Neil Flynn (great on “Scrubs”) ground a great cast.

The Christmas episode that aired last week was one of the funniest and most clever family half hours I can remember. And the kid who plays young Brick? My whole family loves him! Just classic! (sotto voice “Classic”)

If you watch the show, you’ll appreciate that.    

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A RAVE – “Pawn Stars”

The family that runs this successful Pawn Shop in Las Vegas are great reality stars. 

This show’s simple concept…people bring items into the store, they negotiate whether to buy it. The Old Man, his son that really runs the place and his son make up a great trio of reality stars. Simple, funny interchanges. Though I doubt most pawn shops are this nice…But hey, it’s Vegas, right?

But what the hell is this show doing on The History Channel? Sure people try to pawn a lot of old things, but that seems a little bit of a reach for me.

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A RAVE – Stephen Colbert of the COLBERT REPORT on the Cover of Sports Illustrated

Comedy Central staple Colbert’s support of the Olympic speedskaters is funny…and also a very good thing.

Is this funny...or scary?

So is putting him on the cover of SI.

I just hope he doesn’t suffer from any SI curse and suddenly loses his comedy mojo.

Zach Braff - "Scrubs" is back on Tuesdays at 9pm on ABC.

“Scrubs” is one of those shows that just doesn’t want to die.

NBC tried to kill it several times by constantly moving the show over the years. But the comedy kept coming back. That’s a good thing.

Last year ABC rescued the show from NBC for what was billed as the comedy’s last season.

Last spring they aired a series finale with Zach Braff’s ”JD” leaving the hospital and creating a fitting end (after eight years) for the quirky and terrific comedy.

Remember how I said the show wouldn’t die. Well Tuesday night, the show came back with most of the original cast along with several new cast members and a new school setting. It’s “Scrubs”…in Med School! Same fast pace and same quirky vibe as the original series. 

What surprised me was to see Zach Braff back. I didn’t think he was going to be a part of the show or at least such a major part of it. He’s the Executive Producer. So while he may not appear in every episode he and the other show producers have made it so he won’t have to be. Like “Scrubs” before it, this “Scrubs” is blessed with a great ensemble.

It’s cool that the cast seems to really love working together. Cameos were everywhere. In a show packed with fast and funny bits, one of the best was seeing Neil Flynn (now starring on “The Middle”) return for a quick bit as the Janitor. 

Good to have “Scrubs” back.

Again.

Monday night Donny got his perfect score!

And the results show/finale for DANCING WITH THE STARS should be a good one.

Donny Osmond came on strong in his freestyle; Mya, perfect in all her other dances did not impress the judges in the final dance. Kelly Osbourne entertained, but stumbled.

“Dancing with the Stars” is not just a reality show. It’s a great variety show. Tuesday night’s finale will prove that with comedy, lots of returning celebs and a special performance by Whitney Houston.

I predicted last week that Mya and Donny would be in the finals with Mya winning. It’s gonna be very, very close.

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Did you see the “controversy” at The American Music Awards?

American Idol runner up Adam Lambert came out (so to speak) and definitely made a statement about the future of his music.

Lambert decides to go the shock route

If you didn’t see it, Lambert’s S&M styled number included a dancer’s face in his crotch, a passionate kiss with a male bandmate and assorted other acts that were definitely incorporated to push the envelope and get people talking. 

It is exactly what Lambert wanted to do. (And the show knew it was coming…they put the singer at the very end of the show and relentlessly promoted the performance as an controversial performance you would not want to miss.)

In creating some controversy around his performance he obviously wanted to gain a little street cred and exude a ton of attitude. I guess he did that. I saw an interview with the glam rocker on EXTRA and he said as much.

Kinda like saying “Mom and Dad, this is not the sweet boy your kids voted for on American Idol.”

We’ve seen it before. David Bowie, Madonna, Britney Spears etc.

The controversy is probably good for the AMA’s too. The show has always seemed an awards show afterthought. This year the whole show seemed to have a little more edge. But most importantly, it had more impressive musical performances.  

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“Find My Family,” a brand new ABC reality show had a sneak peek preview after “Dancing with the Stars” on Monday night. It was created by the “Extreme Makeover Home Edition” team.

And like “Extreme,” this show packs an emotional wallop. 

The preview episode reunited a couple with the daughter they gave up for adoption. This kind of reality show is reality worth watching.

Just pack the Kleenex first.

Regular episodes will air on Mondays at 9pm on ABC and RTV 6.

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RTV 6 will have live coverage of the annual Circle of Lights this Friday night at 7pm.

Kevin Gregory, Todd Wallace and Trisha Shepherd host. Several musical acts that auditioned in the fall will perform in front of 80,000 plus Hoosiers in downtown Indianapolis. 

In addition to the terrific singers there are a couple of new surprises for this years event. 

The stars of ABC’s new Wednesday comedy hit “The Middle” have taped a special message for the holiday show. (”The Middle” is set in the fictional town of Orson, Indiana.) 

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Finally, a special musical treat for you on Thanksgiving night.  ABC will air two specials.  

“BEYONCÉ: I AM… YOURS”  and “PAUL McCARTNEY: GOOD EVENING NEW YORK CITY” air at 9pm and 10pm.

 Here’s the info from ABC:

On Thanksgiving night, November 26, the ABC Network will air back-to-back hours from two of the world’s biggest music stars, Beyoncé and Paul McCartney. Both specials will incorporate rarely seen footage of Beyoncé and Paul McCartney, revealing interviews from the artists and their unique musical performances.

 “Beyoncé: I am…Yours,” at 9:00 p.m., ET

In Beyoncé’s first network special with ABC, viewers get a front row seat to an intimate performance from the iconic artist. The hour-long special captures the superstar’s appearance at the Encore Theater in Wynn, Las Vegas this past summer, where she tells the story of her career through music and dance. Woven throughout the special are backstage moments, footage of her off stage life, and rare childhood video. Additionally, viewers will get to know her famously all-female band — drums, keys, bass, guitar, horns and percussion players. Beyoncé shares how she transformed herself from a talented nine-year-old into one of the world’s most powerful musical forces – and what she thinks of it all.

 “Paul McCartney: Good Evening New York City,” at 10:00 p.m., ET

Forty-four years ago, four kids from Liverpool performed what was then the largest, highest grossing rock concert ever – the Beatles Live at Shea Stadium. In the summer of 2009, Paul McCartney did it again, performing at Shea’s former site, New York’s Citi Field in Queens, NY. ABC will bring viewers this dazzling concert in which he performs Beatles, Wings and solo classics. Culled from nearly three hours of music and video, the program is an emotional journey through his legendary 50-year musical career and includes footage of the original Beatles concert at Shea. McCartney also talks candidly about those early days and what it was like to return to a place where he performed at the height of Beatlemania.

 The specials are produced by ABC’s Lincoln Square Productions. Rudy Bednar and David Saltz are the executive producers.

A group of Star Wars fans are recruiting other fans from all over the web to help make a “fan” version of “Star Wars.”

They have divided the movie up into over 1600 15 second scenes.

It is called “Star Wars Uncut.”

You are encouraged to pick a scene from the classic movie and then re-create it on-line in your own style!

Want to shoot it as live-action? Sure.

Animated? Why not!

Put your kids in it? Go for it! 

Check it out here.  

This is true web democracy and should make for a hilarious version of the movie. There are only a handful of scenes left.

Pick a scene and participate!

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NBC has cancelled one of their shows…before it even premieres!?

NBC cuts cop show before premiere

I haven’t seen any official reason why the show was yanked. So “Southland” went south…

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ABC’s Comedy Wednesday does have America Laughing! And that’s good news.

Reports are showing the ratings for the new ABC Wednesday night comedy block doing remarkably well!

At least three of the four comedies are keepers. “The Middle” (starring Patricia Heaton and set in Indiana) “Modern Family” (my favorite new show of the season) and “Cougar Town” with Courtney Cox are winning time periods. And ABC has given full season orders for the three.

But there are rumblings that Kelsey Grammer’s “Hank” may get yanked.

One Day at a Time

After I finished my previous post (about the premiere of “The Middle,” the new ABC sitcom set in Indiana) I got to thinking how many TV shows and movies I could think of that have an Indiana location/connection.

So here’s what I came up with.

If you can think of anymore, please send a comment and I will add to the list. By the way, I’m doing this from memory…not using Google or Wikipedia.  

“The Middle,” the new Patricia Heaton – ABC sitcom on Wednesday nights takes place in a fictional Indiana small town.

“Parks and Recreation” Amy Poehler’s NBC mock-mentary sitcom is also set in a fictional Indiana town.

“Erie, Indiana” was a critically acclaimed drama/comedy/thriller set in Indiana. It aired for one season on NBC in the 90s.

The most famous sitcom set in Indiana is probably “One Day at at Time” starring Bonnie Franklin, Valerie Bertinelli, and Mackenzie Phillips. It was a Norman Lear production that also introduced the world to Schneider, Pat Harrington’s sleazy but funny handyman.  It was set in Indy and did feature some Indianapolis scenics over the opening credits.

Jeff Foxworthy had a sitcom with Ed Asner and a very young Haley Joel Osment on ABC in the early 90’s set in Indianapolis.  But I can’t remember the name of the show. I do remember it was revamped and the location moved to try to jump-start it…and I also remember that didn’t help it. 

A couple of seasons ago, CBS introduced a crime drama that was set in a central Indiana community (but I can’t remember the name of it) Guess that is why it lasted less than a season.

CBS also did a reality show set with Muncie, Indiana’s police force when celebrities were made into deputys. YIKES! (CHiPS star Eric Estrada is still keeping his badge.)

"Hoosiers" the best sports movie...ever!

Indiana has also shown up in a number of movies, most notably “Hoosiers,” the movie Sports Illustrated called the Best Sports Movie ever. 

“Breaking Away” is a close second for me. Bloomington and Indiana University never looked so good. It was also a short-lived ABC TV show starring Shaun Cassidy. But it was filmed in Georgia! Maybe that’s why it didn’t work.

And the wrtiter/director team that made IU a star, also made living in South Bend look idyllic. “Rudy” and Notre Dame looked great. (Going way back, “Knute Rockne-All American” starring Ronald Reagan also had Notre Dame on a soundstage.) 

The Indy 500 has made it in the movies a number of times. Mickey Rooney starred in “The Big Race” in the 50s with stock footage from the Speedway.

Paul Newman’s love affair with the Indy 500 started with his starring role in “Winning” in the 60’s.

Remember “Blue Chips” starring Nick Nolte with a famous cameo with Bob Knight? I remember it was shot in Indiana…can’t remember if it was set in the Hoosier state though.

This past summer’s “Public Enemies” with Johnny Depp as John Dillenger and Christian Bale as the FBI agent tracking him had a few scenes filmed in Indiana.  

Steven Spielberg's classic set in Muncie, IN

 ”Close Encounters of the Third Kind” made Muncie, Indiana a star with the first half of the movie set in the Hoosier community. (No scenes were filmed here…but hey, Steven Spielberg picked Indiana to be the hometown of his hero played by Richard Dreyfuss.)

There was another racing movie, this time on the water, filmed and set in southern Indiana. I remember Jake Lloyd and Jim Cavesieal (”The Passion of the Christ”) starred. Can’t recall the title. It sank at the box office though. (Thanks to Alyssa for writing in with the title…the movie was called “Madison.”) 

“A League of Their Own” with Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Rosie O’Donnel and Madonna filmed in southern Indiana, too. Another baseball movie, “Eight Men Out” with Charlie Sheen, John Cusack was filmed in Indy but was filling in for the Windy City as it was about the great Chicago baseball scandal.   

What have I missed?

Can you add any other TV or movies to the list? Send a comment below!

UPDATED AGAIN: EVEN MORE INDIANA REFERENCES… 

Bryon pointed out that “Tom Slick ” the cartoon drag racer from Jay Ward (the guy behind Rocky and Bullwinkle) always raced at “the beautful Muncie Indiana Fairgrounds!” How could I forget that one?!

And The Reverend sent this note about “Eagle Eye, ” the Shia Labuef action/thriller:

Eagle Eye had a brief reference to Indianapolis, it ruined the movie for me because when they went to W56th st it looked like they were in downtown Anywhere USA. The address they gave is really in the middle of no where.

Don sent a note reminding me that Woody (played by Woody Harrelson) on “Cheers” always talked about being from Indiana.

And Brenda sent a note “going way back, how about ”Family Affair.” The kids were from Terre Haute!” 

Tracy pointed out that Frank Burns (Larry Linville) from the TV show “M*A*S*H” was from Fort Wayne, Indiana. 

Tracy also pointed out that “A Christmas Story” was set in a Northern Indiana town, outside Chicago.   

Brent says The Hudsucker Proxy…makes reference to Muncie, IN

Excellent reminders…keep them coming!

Patricia Heaton and the cast of the Indiana-based comedy "The Middle"

Is there something about Indiana that just says “funny?”

Another network comedy set in Indiana is set to debut this week.

Last year Amy Poehler and the producers of ”The Office” launched “Parks and Recreation” about a small Indiana parks official. It’s been an uneven effort so far.

A much richer and I think more satisfying comedy called “The Middle,” premieres this Wednesday at 8:30pm on ABC and RTV 6. 

“The Middle” (the term used by people in New York and California that describes the area between the two coasts that you fly over…the middle) is also a comedy set in a small Indiana town.  

Patricia Heaton (you know her from “Everybody Loves Raymond”) stars as Frankie Heck, a middle aged mom in middle American, living in the middle class, facing a mid-life crisis just trying to figure out how to make life work in the middle.

Whew! 

Don’t worry. It’s funny.

I had a chance to preview the pilot episode earlier this summer. Some friends from ABC asked me to take a look at it. I should note they live on “the coast” and wanted to be sure that I realized the title and the humor wasn’t  meant to be a slam on Indiana. 

They needn’t worry. I found “The Middle” is a family comedy that happens to be set in Indiana, not a comedy specifically about Hoosiers.

Heaton is good, playing a middle class mom in the midwest. (It isn’t too much of a stretch…the actress is a mom originally from Ohio.) Neil Flynn (you’ll recognize him as the Janitor from “Scrubs”) plays her husband. He is particularly good as a dad holding out faith that his kids will turn out well (but cynical enough not to hold out for too much success.) They make a very funny, but believable couple.

The show reminded me of a skewed, yet somewhat gentler “Malcolm in the Middle,” but with a dash of “Roseanne.”

 BTW, the show was created and is executive-produced by Eileen Heisler and DeAnn Heline. I understand they went to school at Indiana University. They are sitcom vets who have worked as writers and producers on shows including “How I Met Your Mother,” “Murphy Brown” and, no surprise, “Roseanne.”

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Kelsey Grammer stars as "Hank," the new sitcom on ABC

Kelsey Grammer (”Frasier” and “Cheers”) returns to series TV in another sitcom called “Hank” premiering at 8pm, right before “The Middle.”

Grammer plays a CEO that loses his job, forcing he and his family to return to his small town. Thankfully, this sitcom plays to Grammer’s comedic timing and strength filming the show in front of a live audience.

I have not heard as much buzz about this show, but I found it charming. (This one has kind of a “Newhart” vibe.)

Hey, its setting up what’s turning out to be a terrific night of comedies on ABC! ”Hank,” “The Middle,” “Modern Family,” and “Cougar Town.
 That’s worth laughing and cheering about! 

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